How many pizzas do you have to sell to make $8,000 in profit? News Channel 8 in Tampa, FL recently reported on a pizza store fined $8,000 for violations of employment laws governing the employment of minors – Riverview Marco’s Pizza fined for violating child labor laws | WFLA. This story is a good reminder of the various employment laws governing workplaces. As the challenges to the labor market continue, minors (those under 18 years of age) can be a great source to fill jobs, especially in the restaurant and service industry. However, employers need to ensure they are knowledgeable of all applicable labor laws and have processes in place to ensure compliance. As evidenced by this story, the consequences of non-compliance can be costly. Leaders should be attentive to: (1) Work hour restrictions on employees under 18 years of age (2) Break and meal period requirements for minor employees (3) Applicable wage & hour laws governing minimum wage and overtime (4) significant occupational (job duty) restrictions to ensure minors are not exposed to duties that are considered “hazardous” and, therefore, prohibited for minors.
